Temple bells sound out across the desert, ringing out from the seven spires of Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu mandir that will be inaugurated in a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday.
Artisans complete last-minute polishing of sculptures inside intricately hand-carved pink sandstone spires and white marble pillars.
The architectural marvel built in the emirate’s Abu Mureikhah Cultural District is the Middle East’s first fully handcrafted traditional stone Hindu temple.
There are certain things that create history and this is the creation of history here in Abu Dhabi
Sanjay Parikh,
lead co-ordinator of the Baps temple project
The marble and stone temple has been in the making for the past five years, requiring exhaustive work by more than 2,000 sculptors in Indian villages and replicates construction techniques used thousands of years ago.
Artisans, architects, engineers and software experts have worked since 2019 to create a “tribute to harmony” that is also a symbol of the close friendship between the UAE and India.
Built on 11 hectares of land, the temple, constructed for Dh350 million ($95.3 million), will be inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
Made by hand
Looking over the spectacular temple site that he helped build, sculptor Champalal Swarup is filled with pride.
“We have made this mandir [temple] with our hands,” said the artisan, 66, who picked up the skill watching his father and brothers work in a village in India’s north-western Rajasthan state.
“It takes years and years to learn. When I started there were times when all I could make was one small flower in an entire day.”
He has since travelled to Africa, the US, Canada and across India to build temples and points with pleasure to many pillars he had a hand in building.
He explains the dedication it takes for several sculptors who work for more than a year to complete a single pillar.
“You need patience and peace of mind to create,” he said. “I feel happy that when people come here and see all this, it has been created by families like mine in India.”
The UAE temple is among 1,200 the Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha organisation has built in countries from Australia to the US, supporting a revival of hand sculpting in India.
Sanjay Parikh, Baps head of procurement and design, has led the building of more than 40 Baps temples around the world and outlines the challenges faced.
“When we first started building the temples in the 1990s, there were not so many people available to build these mandirs,” said Mr Parikh who also heads a team of architects and sculptors.
“Many youngsters had stopped doing this work and had moved to the city. We had to work a lot to keep this art alive and to bring people back.”
Mr Parikh has travelled to mines in India and Italy to select the stones and marble for the project and regularly visited the villages to monitor the carving work.
Each stone block was marked with a unique identifying number and sent to the villages where the craftsmen lived.
“We realised that the best thing is for the artists to work near their homes rather than for years on a temple site,” he said.
“It gave them peace of mind, they can take care of their families. We have worked together to build an authentic temple that is inspired by ancient temples.
“Many people who come here may not know anything about Bharat (India) but coming here they will learn about India’s art and architecture.”
Creating history
Hours-long prayers are being held in the days leading up to the dedication ceremony on Wednesday and colourful carpets have been laid out on paths.
“There are certain things that create history and this is the creation of history here in Abu Dhabi,” said Mr Parikh, a civil engineer. "To be a small part of this makes me proud.
“We are already getting interest from people who want to see this architecture. Tourists will want to come and see the beauty of this mandir.”
Across the temple, elaborate engravings detail famous stories about the lives of gods housed within each dome.
Ageless tales of the victory of good over evil are drawn from Indian epics such as the Ramayan and Mahabahrata.
The engravings show the triumphant return of the Hindu king Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya and the defeat of a demon king Ravana.
Among the striking features are marble domes of peace and harmony.
An extensive frieze shows the phases of the moon, depicting the full moon at the centre and the crescent by its side to represent Hinduism and Islam.
Hindus consider the full moon as auspicious and for Muslims the crescent moon marks the start and end of Ramadan.
“The moons are together in harmony and this shows Islam and Hinduism in harmony,” Mr Parikh said.
It is just one of several unifying motifs across the temple.
The sculptures bring to life lessons on honesty and virtue from the Arab world, China and North America.
Decorative panels depict oryx and camels of this region along with elephants and peacocks motifs usually seen in traditional Hindu temples.
When entering the temple complex, visitors can ring a series of large brass bells and walk along waterways on either side that symbolise the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in India.
From a symbolic sand dune at the entrance to flights of steps that recreate river banks in India, it incorporates elements drawn from both countries.
“There are so many things that make this temple unique,” said Nishith Raval, senior project manager. “This temple brings both cultures together.”
Merging hi-tech with artistry
Much like ancient Indian shrines, the Abu Dhabi temple does not use steel, iron or reinforced concrete in the construction.
Each carved piece with its specific number code was shipped to the site in Abu Dhabi and placed alongside other units with similar identifying tags.
These were then fitted together like a massive jigsaw puzzle.
Using an age-old compression construction technique, stone and granite is used in the foundation, followed by the carved pink sandstone and topped with the intricate marble work.
More than 100 sensors have been embedded in the structure to monitor any seismic activity and provide live data for research.
This merging of hi-tech with hand carved artistry is another highlight.
“I can tell you that this temple will last a 1,000 years but how can I prove it?” Mr Raval said.
“The science we have used for this construction is based on the shilpa shastra, which means the building of stone structures in ancient times.
“Now with sensors capturing data and the load inside the structures, we hope to better explain this ancient architecture.”
Community halls have been built around the temple with space for a library, food court and the area is being greened for a play area for children.
The land was granted to the Indian community in 2015 by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, when he was Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
“The Baps Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi serves as a spiritual oasis for global harmony that celebrates the past and recalibrates the future,” said Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of international relations for Baps.
“It is a timeless testament to the generosity, sincerity, and friendship of the leaderships of the UAE, India and Baps.”
There are two Hindu temples in Dubai – a small temple inside a building in Bur Dubai and a contemporary temple opened in the Jebel Ali area two years ago.
At the temple, hundreds of volunteers, such as Dr Lina Barot, are ready to welcome visitors.
“This temple will not just attract worshippers but also people who want to feel the peace,” she said.
“There will be people who don’t believe in any of our gods, and will not come to worship. They may not be religious but when they come here they will experience a different sense of peace and spirituality.”
A live telecast of the dedication ceremony by Mr Modi can be viewed at gfrc6.app.goo.gl/UTRq
What is a Ponzi scheme?
A fraudulent investment operation where the scammer provides fake reports and generates returns for old investors through money paid by new investors, rather than through ligitimate business activities.
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
About Proto21
Date started: May 2018
Founder: Pir Arkam
Based: Dubai
Sector: Additive manufacturing (aka, 3D printing)
Staff: 18
Funding: Invested, supported and partnered by Joseph Group
Strait of Hormuz
Fujairah is a crucial hub for fuel storage and is just outside the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route linking Middle East oil producers to markets in Asia, Europe, North America and beyond.
The strait is 33 km wide at its narrowest point, but the shipping lane is just three km wide in either direction. Almost a fifth of oil consumed across the world passes through the strait.
Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the strait, a move that would risk inviting geopolitical and economic turmoil.
Last month, Iran issued a new warning that it would block the strait, if it was prevented from using the waterway following a US decision to end exemptions from sanctions for major Iranian oil importers.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
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Where to submit a sample
Volunteers of all ages can submit DNA samples at centres across Abu Dhabi, including: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), Biogenix Labs in Masdar City, NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City, NMC Royal Medical Centre, Abu Dhabi, NMC Royal Women's Hospital, Bareen International Hospital, Al Towayya in Al Ain, NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RESULTS
Cagliari 5-2 Fiorentina
Udinese 0-0 SPAL
Sampdoria 0-0 Atalanta
Lazio 4-2 Lecce
Parma 2-0 Roma
Juventus 1-0 AC Milan
OTHER IPL BOWLING RECORDS
Best bowling figures: 6-14 – Sohail Tanvir (for Rajasthan Royals against Chennai Super Kings in 2008)
Best average: 16.36 – Andrew Tye
Best economy rate: 6.53 – Sunil Narine
Best strike-rate: 12.83 – Andrew Tye
Best strike-rate in an innings: 1.50 – Suresh Raina (for Chennai Super Kings against Rajasthan Royals in 2011)
Most runs conceded in an innings: 70 – Basil Thampi (for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2018)
Most hat-tricks: 3 – Amit Mishra
Most dot-balls: 1,128 – Harbhajan Singh
Most maiden overs bowled: 14 – Praveen Kumar
Most four-wicket hauls: 6 – Sunil Narine
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
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What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
About Housecall
Date started: July 2020
Founders: Omar and Humaid Alzaabi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech
# of staff: 10
Funding to date: Self-funded
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Thank You for Banking with Us
Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Europa League final
Who: Marseille v Atletico Madrid
Where: Parc OL, Lyon, France
When: Wednesday, 10.45pm kick off (UAE)
TV: BeIN Sports
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
One in nine do not have enough to eat
Created in 1961, the World Food Programme is pledged to fight hunger worldwide as well as providing emergency food assistance in a crisis.
One of the organisation’s goals is the Zero Hunger Pledge, adopted by the international community in 2015 as one of the 17 Sustainable Goals for Sustainable Development, to end world hunger by 2030.
The WFP, a branch of the United Nations, is funded by voluntary donations from governments, businesses and private donations.
Almost two thirds of its operations currently take place in conflict zones, where it is calculated that people are more than three times likely to suffer from malnutrition than in peaceful countries.
It is currently estimated that one in nine people globally do not have enough to eat.
On any one day, the WFP estimates that it has 5,000 lorries, 20 ships and 70 aircraft on the move.
Outside emergencies, the WFP provides school meals to up to 25 million children in 63 countries, while working with communities to improve nutrition. Where possible, it buys supplies from developing countries to cut down transport cost and boost local economies.
